Reviews

• I really do like this book, and it has quickly become the go-to book on weekday nights. The food is very nice, hearty and simple. Obviously the recipes are not culinary masterpieces, but that is not what the book is about - it is about fuss-free but still enjoyable eating. The recipes are for the most part very simple, and quick to make. The estimated preparation times tend to be 10-15 minutes (+ 20 minutes cooking time) and unlike with many other books, you do not need to be a professional chef to be able to achieve them. There are 180 recipes, so a lot to choose from and should provide material for a long time. There are quite a few pasta dishes, and I have noticed Rachel seems to really like using capers, anchovies and lentils. Not my favourites, but luckily there are enough recipes that enably you to avoid your disliked ingredients. The book is divided in 6 different sections - 1) recipes utilising cupboard basics (Store Cupboard), 2) quick and easy recipes(Fast and Fabulous), 3) uncomplicated recipes (Five ingredients or less), 4) recipes that you prepare and just shove in the oven (One Pot), 5) recipes that require no cooking (No Cook) and 6) self-explanatorily Quick Extras and Sides. My personal favourite section is the "Five ingredients or less" as the recipes are very easy to make, require few steps and still taste really good. Fast and Fabulous is another great section, as the recipes are really quick to make. However, some of the recipes can be a bit more complicated. All the sections have both main courses and desserts, and this is my main annoyance about the book. I understand why it has been done, but I find it would be easier if all the dessert recipes were at the back of the book, rather than at the back of each section. It would be easier to locate favourite pudding recipes that way. Another minor annoyance, subjective of course, is that many of my favourite recipes seem to be pretty expensive due to using expensive ingredients (mussels, pine nuts, special cheeses...), but there is a good varety of cheap recipes too. My opinion on a few of the recipes I've already cooked: *Tomato and goat's cheese tart* - very tasty, very quick and simple to make. *Spanish mussels* - gorgeous! Chorizo really complemented mussels perfectly. Good instructions on preparing mussels too (was my first time) *Conchiglie with spinach, blue cheese, and pine nuts* - nice, but I think the recipe should include more blue cheese. *Buttered cabbage* - superquick and easy, great side *Honey and mustard pork chops* - Very sweet, excellent and easy sauce for the pork *Fusilli with fried onions and olives* - quite salty but tastes good, smells very fishy because of anchovies *Banoffee pancakes* - yummy, but pancake recipe seriously wrong, you need twice the amount of milk

• I am big fan of Rachel Allen's show. I finally decided to get this book and am very pleased with this decision. Great selection of recipes. Great seller and fast shipping too.

• Habe jetzt ein paar Rezepte daraus gemacht und geschmeckt hat alles. Die Rezepte sind einfach nachzukochen und funktionieren auch. Es sind auch durchaus schöne Rezepte drin.

• Fantastic. Saves me oodles of time and most of the meals are really delicious. I bought this one for my sister - my own was a gift.

• I like the book as I had seen a copy by some friends. I hope I can get the ingredients in Germany!!!!

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